As the Presidential race begins to pick up speed, it may be time to start studying up on candidates. The race so far has been full of opposing ideas, controversial names and even candidates holding unfriendly twitter conversations. The Courier has put together a list of some of the race’s top names along with what the candidates stand for. These candidates were chosen based on their high percentages on polls conducted by Public Policy Polling.

Democrats:

Hillary Clinton:

Qualifications: Former Secretary of State, Former U.S. Senator Former first lady

Campaign Statements: Keep military off of the grounds of the Islamic State, cut taxes for middle class, encourage transparency between the National Security Agency and U.S. citizens

What she’s for: Abortion rights, gender equality, same sex marriage, Obamacare, higher taxes on higher income, easier to gain citizenship, expand free trade

What she’s against: Keeping God in the public, gun ownership, expanding the military

Bernie Sanders:

Qualifications: Current U.S. senator, former U.S Representative

Campaign Statements: Create easier access to becoming a U.S citizen, withdraw from Iraq war soon, make college more affordable to all students

What he’s for: Abortion rights, gender equality, same sex marriage, Obamacare, higher taxes on higher income, easier to gain citizenship, avoiding foreign trade and conflict

What he’s against: Keeping God in the public, expanding free trade

Republicans:

Donald Trump:

Qualifications: Current President of The Trump Organization

Campaign Statements: Climate change is not a real issue that needs to be addressed, replace Obamacare, secure the country’s boundaries against illegal immigration

What he’s for: Keeping God in the public, gun ownership, higher taxes on higher income, expanding the military

What he’s against: Abortion rights, same sex marriage, legally hiring both genders, Obamacare, legalizing illegal immigrants, expanding free trade

Ben Carson:

Qualifications: Former Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery

Campaign Statements: Climate change is “irrelevant,” U.S military should work to defeat the Islamic State militant group, time to rethink “common core” school requirements

What he’s for: Keeping God in the public, gun ownership, avoiding foreign conflict and trade

What he’s against: Abortion rights, same sex marriage, Obamacare, higher taxes on higher income, making it easier to become a citizen

Scott Walker:

Qualifications: Current Governor of Wisconsin

Campaign Statements: Overturn the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage, begin the conversation to remove income tax, take more dire steps against ISIS

What he’s for: Gender equality, Keeping God in the public, gun ownership, expanding free trade, expanding the military

What he’s against: Abortion rights, same sex marriage, Obamacare, higher taxes on higher income, avoiding foreign conflict and trade